Grand Prismatic Overlook and Fairy Falls
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On our 6th day in Yellowstone, we set out to view the Grand Prismatic from above. We had two trailhead options: Fountain Flats or the Fairy Falls Trailhead. Fountain Flats is quite a bit longer, about 3.5 miles one way, but we went with it since we’d seen the Fairy Falls lot consistently packed to the gills. The trail is bike-friendly, so we rode in.
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We made a quick pitstop at Ojo Caliente pool before parking our bikes at the Grand Prismatic Overlook junction. From there, we hiked a 2.8 mile in and out trail to Fairy Falls. The falls are 200 feet tall and tumble over the edge of a basalt cliff. The ground squirrels were out in force, boldly begging for snacks. We saw kids feeding them out of their hands and trying to pet them while their parents took pictures. Not the brightest move considering those cute little mouths are full of sharp teeth. One squirrel, apparently not getting any handout action, scurried over to a little rock stash and pulled out a snack of its own.
After getting our fill of waterfalls and squirrel antics, we returned to the overlook trail. The viewing deck for Grand Prismatic was slammed with people, and we had to wait our turn to get up front. But it was worth it to see the spring’s beautiful blue hues from above.
Back at the bikes, we made a quick stop at Goose Lake. No geese, but plenty of goose poop to explain the name. We spotted two yellow-headed blackbirds perched in the trees before pedaling back to the trailhead, where a herd of bison were hanging out not too far away.
After getting our fill of waterfalls and squirrel antics, we returned to the overlook trail. The viewing deck for Grand Prismatic was slammed with people, and we had to wait our turn to get up front. But it was worth it to see the spring’s beautiful blue hues from above.
Back at the bikes, we made a quick stop at Goose Lake. No geese, but plenty of goose poop to explain the name. We spotted two yellow-headed blackbirds perched in the trees before pedaling back to the trailhead, where a herd of bison were hanging out not too far away.